Fishing San Carlos Reservoir in Gila County, Arizona

• Overview

  You will find San Carlos Reservoir in Gila County, Arizona. Country round the bank runs to pine and hardwood. At roughly 20.4 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. Among the waters listed for Gila County, none is wider. Peridot at 7.9 miles is the nearest place to stop. Tucson sits 74 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on San Carlos Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public wildlife records from this area list flathead catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow bass. Treat it as evidence of what swims in the area. The shape of San Carlos Reservoir decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 46°F to 86°F. No part of the year shuts this water. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. San Carlos Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Solitude Tailings Pond at 27 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing on San Carlos Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.